Empowering women to live their healthiest life

[5 Months] Postpartum

This post is almost two weeks late, but better late than never, right? Sure.

Body

My body feels pretty much back to normal, but there’s still some differences which may or may not ever go away. I honestly don’t really mind either way at this point though. I still have some extra skin on my lower belly, my belly button isn’t as much of an “innie” as it used to be, and I still have a little bit of a linea nigra under my belly button (it’s slowly but surely fading though). Oh, and hair loss… Thanks to those lovely little things called hormones, I lost A LOT of hair during months 3-4, but fortunately it seems like it’s significantly slowed down this month. I hope it stays that way. I haven’t lost or gained any weight this month – it’s hovering right in the middle of my low weight and my high (pre-pregnancy) weight. My body is continuing to tone up and be a little less “squishy”, but even if it stayed how it currently is forever, I can’t complain at all. I’m pretty content where I’m at size and looks wise.

Mind

Honestly, I think this is the happiest and most at peace I’ve been in months, maybe years? I really do just love being a mom, and I know this is right where God wants me at this point in my life. Hunter brings me more joy than I could ever express! Of course we have our rough days from time to time (don’t we all?), but overall, life is good. I’ve definitely seen a huge improvement in my anxiety compared to last month, thank goodness. I’m assuming it was my hormones taking over, and me adjusting to Hunter moving out of the newborn phase. I really feel like I’m in a good place these days.

Exercise

Exercise is still going really well! I feel as though I’m continuing to get stronger, and my endurance is slowly but surely improving. I’ve added in some short distance running this month (2-3 miles at a time), but I’m still not doing a lot of it. I’m mostly sticking to strength training, circuit workouts, and some at-home Cross Fit style workouts – basically anything that’s quick and easy these days! I don’t have hours to spend on my workouts, so I like to get them done in a short amount of time (20-45 minutes). On average, I’ve been doing strength workouts about 2-3 times per week and cardio workouts 2 times per week with at least 2 rest days in there. It seems to be really working for me and my body, so I’m going to stick with it!

Comments

You look fantastic! More importantly, I’m glad to hear that you’re so happy. I often wonder how my workouts will change when my little man arrives. I assume they’ll have to be quick and home-friendly, at least for a while.

You’re looking great girl! I didn’t notice that extra skin go away until past 5 months and some of it was still there but only I could tell. Also, my belly button will never be the same. It’s even more comical now being preggo with #2 ha.

You are doing great! We’re getting close to 4 months over here and I’m still struggling to get into an exercise routine again. But feeling better mentally and physically is such a wonderful thing after the adjustment that is becoming a new mom. I know the exercise will come eventually, especially reading inspirational people like you 🙂

You look amazing mama – and I love your laid back approach. I’m pretty sure ill be the same way. Workouts aren’t necessarily as important to me anymore as they once have been so we will see how that all works out when I get the go ahead to exercise again. Ad you should see my belly button – ha! Pair it with the stretched out belly button ring scar and it’s quite a sight! 😉

I’m SO happy to hear you’re in such a positive place in your mind – I think that’s such an important thing and I’m glad to hear you’ve never felt better. Truly awesome.
It seems like things are going so well, and you look awesome! I think we sometimes forget that babies take 9 months to make – so it can definitely take a while to feel 100% back to normal. Regardless, it sounds like you’re doing fabulous!

You look awesome Mama! I feel the same way post 5 months… I don’t think my tummy/hips will go back to before pregnancy but I’m happy and content. I’m learning to let go of what you can’t control & just go with it 😉 Since babies can be unpredictable! 😉

You look great for just having a baby recently! Be proud of what you’ve accomplished. I’m working on my weight loss goals right now as well (Although not due to a baby…) and I’ve lost inches all over the place in the past 6 weeks. Lets keep motivating each other! 🙂

You look great! I must say, I am glad someone else feels their belly button isn’t the same – I had my son almost 10 years ago and it is the one thing I can say never went back to normal. I will take it though!

Hunter is too cute in these pics 🙂 I’m glad the anxiety ha calmed down. Like I said before, month 4 was the hardest for me mentally and emotionally too. I’m so glad that you feel settled in your calling 🙂

I have a postpartum workout question – when do you tend to fit in your workouts? Do you do it during nap times? Or while your husband is home to watch the baby?
By the way, you look amazing and no one would guess you’d recently had a baby! Even more importantly though is you sound super happy with yourself and life which is really great to hear!

Great question! I’ve been planning to do a post re: this question for awhile actually, so stay tuned, and I’ll fill ya in on all of that. I’m hoping to have it up in the next week! Thanks so much for the sweet compliment!

Ashley you look great!! I can’t believe Hunter is already five months. I feel like I was just reading your pregnancy posts yesterday. It is crazy how fast time goes. Our babies grow up so fast. I am still struggling with finding time to workout, but I know it will come sooner or later. Probably later. 🙂

Girl, you look great 🙂 I’m glad you’re feeling good about yourself, are happy and at peace! I think it makes all the difference in the world if you truly feel at people with how you look! Look at that little man..just too precious for words! You are one lucky lady 🙂

You are gorgeous! But honestly, my favorite part of your update is about your mind! I couldn’t be happier for you to be finding such joy and peace at being a mom! Baby Hunter is so blessed to have you as his mom! 🙂

Love these updates and as I begin my 3rd trimester, the balance and stress-free outlook on your post-partum body is joyfully refreshing. On an unrelated note, Hunter’s hair makes my day! Could he BE any cuter?!

You look so great!!! I’ve never been pregnant but since I was very overweight as a teenager I can relate to having loose skin on my tummy which will probably never go away. The plus on that is if I do get pregnant I probably won’t end up with any more loose skin than what I did. What I found was that over time it improved heaps though. 🙂

In the beginning, my hair was falling out like crazy and I thought it was scary (my hair’s really fine to begin with so I needed all that I had haha), but yes luckily, that slowed down, or else I might be your bald blogging friend ;).

Our belly buttons can be “not as innie” friends together haha! You look fab lady xoxo

I’m so happy you’re feeling great! Gotta love the loose skin. I’d love to say it goes away! Who knows, it could for you – you’re younger than me 🙂 I do find that lotion with Elastin in it does help. Speaking of looking great – it’s gonna sound kinda pervy – but let’s be honest, it’s always nice to hear — your girls are also looking good. Lol.